Doctoral student in Experimental Physics

The Department of Physics (https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-fysik/) at Umeå University conducts strong research in areas including condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics, theoretical physics and computational physics. We are looking for a doctoral student for the project Spatiotemporal Hybrid Light–Matter States, focusing on ultrafast light–matter interactions, spatiotemporal metamaterials and polaritons.
The deadline to apply is 31 October 2026.
The start date is February 2027 or by agreement.
Project description
The project aims to create spatiotemporal polaritons through ultrafast light–matter interactions in engineered metamaterial systems. The doctoral student will investigate broadband-gap semiconductors and high-quality excitonic or molecular emitters coupled to time-modulated lattices, with the aim of realising hybrid light–matter states whose properties can be controlled on femtosecond timescales.
The research combines ultrafast pump–push–probe experiments with sub-10 fs time resolution, finite-element simulations and quantum models building on the Tavis–Cummings Hamiltonian. The aim is to demonstrate coherent control of spatiotemporal polaritons and develop spatiotemporal metamaterial platforms that enable new forms of hybrid light–matter dynamics. The work brings together nanophotonics, metamaterials, ultrafast optics, condensed matter physics and quantum optics.
The doctoral position is funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK. The network offers a structured international training environment with research-specific and general skills-development courses, workshops, conferences and network-wide activities.
The project includes a six-month research visit to Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain, where theoretical skills will be developed, as well as a three-month industrial placement at Ultrafast Innovations GmbH in Germany.
The doctoral project will be carried out at Umeå University under the supervision of Senior Lecturer (Docent) Nicolò Maccaferri. The doctoral student will also receive support through co-supervision and mentoring from Docent Paloma Arroyo Huidobro at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and from an industrial mentor at Ultrafast Innovations GmbH. The position offers the opportunity to work in a stimulating, interdisciplinary and international research environment as part of a prestigious European doctoral network.
Qualifications
Applicants meet the general entry requirements if they have been awarded a second-cycle qualification, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad. To meet the specific entry requirements for admission to third-cycle studies in experimental physics, applicants must have passed courses in physics totalling at least 120 credits.
Applicants must have a Master's degree or equivalent in physics, applied physics, optics/photonics, materials science, nanoscience, electrical engineering or a related field.
Applicants must be fluent in both spoken and written English.
Documented experience in photonics, nanophotonics, ultrafast optics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, exciton-polaritons, light–matter interaction, numerical simulations or quantum modelling is an advantage.
We are looking for someone who wants to work in an intercultural and international environment and has a strong ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Applicants must meet the MSCA eligibility and mobility requirements. This means that they must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment and must not have resided or carried out their main activity (such as work or studies) in Sweden for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before recruitment.
Terms of employment
The position is intended to lead to a doctoral degree, and the doctoral student's main task is to undertake third-cycle studies, which include participation in the research project described above and relevant doctoral courses. Teaching and other departmental duties of up to 20% may be included in the position.
The salary follows the established salary scale for doctoral students at Umeå University. The position is funded for 36 months through the MSCA doctoral network SPARK, with a salary corresponding to at least the MSCA rate (approximately 33 100 SEK gross per month), with the possibility of MSCA allowances for mobility and a family allowance. Other funding is available for the remaining period of employment. Terms of employment and other benefits are governed by the applicable regulations.
The position comprises four years of full-time study, or up to five years if teaching or other departmental duties are included. The position starts in February 2027 or by agreement.
Application
The application should include the following:
A personal letter summarising research interests and motivation
(max. 1 page).

CV
Certified copies of degree certificates with an English or Swedish translation
A list of university courses and grades. Please note that international applicants should briefly explain the grading system.
A copy of the thesis and publications (if applicable).
Names and contact details of at least one referee.

You apply through our Varbi e-recruitment system. The application deadline is 31 October 2026.
Log in and submit your application using the button at the bottom of the page. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format and written in English (preferably) or Swedish.